Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Eight Line Flasher Wrasse, also known as the Red Sea Flasher Wrasse, is endemic to the waters of the Red Sea. A male Eight line flasher wrasse will be red/yellow in color, with eight blueish lines that run horizontally along its body. Furthermore, males of this species will have very large and impressive dorsal and anal fins. Females and juveniles tend to be less boldly marked and vibrant. Like many wrasses in the genus Paracheilinus, the Eight line flasher wrasse is an attractive and peaceful fish that will feel right at home in your reef aquarium. An adult Eight line flasher wrasse can reach a size of approximately 4″.

Diet Requirements: Flasher wrasses are carnivores, actively hunting tiny crustaceans (e.g., copepods) throughout the day. A diet consisting of various meaty preparations such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and other mixed frozen foods that contain algae, such as spirulina, will maintain optimal health and coloration. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements, as flasher wrasses have very high metabolisms. Multiple, small feedings per day rather than one large feeding can also help and in turn create more of a natural environment for a flasher wrasse as it would feed in the wild. Eight line flasher wrasses may also accept high quality flake or pellet foods, which is great for nutritional gaps and variety.

Care Requirements: An established, minimum 75 gallon aquarium is required for an Eight line flasher wrasse. A tight fitting lid is a must because these wrasses are known to jump out of aquariums. Eight line flasher wrasses enjoy a variety of rock work and crevices to swim through, and such live rock arrangements can also help to make it feel secure and encourage more outgoing behavior. The Eight line flasher wrasse is not tolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes, and an established tank also offers microinvertebrates and crustaceans that naturally accumulate over time as the aquarium ages for it to prey on. Given their peaceful and timid nature, an Eight line flasher wrasse can be easily bullied and therefore should not be kept with overly aggressive species, especially those that can outcompete it in food resources. It is best to add an Eight line flasher wrasse before larger or more active fish in order to allow it to acclimate to the environment and begin feeding. Eight line flasher wrasses are best kept one male per aquarium, or a male with a group of females. This wrasse can also be successfully kept with other like Cirrhilabrus [fairy] and Paracheilinus [flasher] wrasses. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Juvenile/Female Small: 1-1/2″ to 2″; Medium: 2″ to 3″; Large: 3″ to 3-1/2″; Male Small: 2″ to 2-3/4″; Medium: 2-3/4″ to 3-1/2″; Large: 3-1/2″ to 4″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.